Specifically, candidates interested in conducting graduate research work on emergent Canadian and international laws and policy on access and benefit sharing (ABS) relating to genetic resources in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol on ABS will be given priority under this funding opportunity. Applicants should have a demonstrable interest in or association with Aboriginal communities. Priority may be given to Aboriginal candidates.

These opportunities are being offered pursuant to a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)-funded project, in association with the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law and 91ÑÇɫ’s Osgoode Hall Law School. The project, ABS Canada, aims to facilitate dialogue between Aboriginal, commercial, and regulatory stakeholders in genetic resources – breaking down communication barriers in order to build trust and reduce suspicion, while developing insights regarding the future of Canadian ABS policy. This unique graduate funding opportunity comes with significant mentorship and the potential for national and international career opportunities. Funding is available to support two-year LLM research candidates at both institutions at an annual amount of $15,000 (uOttawa) and $18,000 (Osgoode Hall), beginning in the 2016/2017 academic year. Relevant research will explore the intersections of traditional or Aboriginal knowledge, intellectual property rights, constitutional (Charter) implications of biotechnology and access to and utilization of genetic resources, the role and expectations of industry, regulatory agencies, and other Canadian ABS stakeholders. Candidates interested in applying to uOttawa and Osgoode Hall are encouraged to contact (coguaman@uottawa.ca) and (IkechiMgbeoji@osgoode.yorku.ca) in tailoring their research proposals or projects.

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